SERVICES
Fat Grafting / Fat Transfer
RECOVERY TIME: ~1-2 weeks
Fat grafting or fat transfer is a medical procedure in which a patient’s own adipose tissue (fat) is transferred from areas of the body to the face. Facial fat grafting is great for creating a more youthful appearance by decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and shallow areas or increasing volume (often the lips or areas with wrinkles and fine lines). It is generally a minimally invasive procedure and is a common alternative to popular collagen treatments and Botox.
Who would benefit from facial fat grafting?
Unlike the effects of dermal and facial fillers, which are temporary, the results with fat grafting and fat transfer can be much longer lasting and permanent. Fat grafting can address the lines between the nose and the mouth, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles. It can also add more volume to the cheeks or forehead.
As we age, we start to notice facial changes such as volume loss, sagging areas, thinning skin, and deepening wrinkles. The visual changes of aging become more apparent beginning in your mid to late twenties.
- For aging patients who are concerned with volume loss and wish to enhance features that were once there, fat grafting is a great permanent solution to address this.
- Fat grafting is not only great for aging, but also for younger patients who are not completely satisfied with the contour, project and shape of certain facial structures. Fat grafting also helps repair scars as well as improve the texture and appearance of the skin.
Why should I choose fat grafting/fat transfer?
With the increasing popularity of liposuction and the subsequent innovations in liposuction technology, it has become far easier to access fat and remove it from the body. While dermal fillers are often absorbed by the body in an average of 6-12 months, only a percentage of fat from a patient’s own body will be absorbed and more lasting changes can be achieved by fat transfer.
How does fat grafting work?
Fat is removed from a donor site through liposuction. Some of the best and most frequently used donor sites for fat transfer include the inner thighs and lower abdomen. Beverly Hills Plastic surgeon Dr. Donald B. Yoo will gently perform liposuction in those areas to harvest fat. Afterwards, the fat is purified and injected into the patient’s target areas. Fat transfers are often performed to augment the cheeks, chin, and lips. Asian plastic surgery, and especially Korean plastic surgery patients will seek out Dr. Yoo for forehead augmentation with fat transfer for a more-rounded, less flat look. Fat can be transferred to many of the same areas usually addressed with Botox and dermal fillers, and is common for patients who want a more permanent solution. Although reactions to synthetic fillers are rare, the body does not react to its own fat cells in the same way. Studies show that the body may absorb 40% – 60% of transplanted fat, so in anticipation of this Dr. Yoo will initially add slightly more than is necessary.
Recovery
Postoperative instructions will be given to each patient and should be carefully read and followed. Following a fat grafting procedure, mild to moderate pain and swelling is to be expected in the targeted areas as well as the donor sites from liposuction. This can usually be controlled with prescribed oral medication. Many patients are able to resume working after about a week and resume physical activity after two weeks.
Fat transfer and more!
Fat transfer is safe to do with other procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, chin augmentation, facelift, etc. However, it is important to discuss this with Dr. Yoo during your consultation for what options would be surgically possible as well as work towards your aesthetic goal.